Oscar Nominations 2025: The 2025 Oscar nominations have been unveiled, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most exciting and diverse Academy Awards in recent memory. Leading the pack with a record-breaking 13 nominations is Netflix’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” closely followed by Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” with 10 nods. This year’s nominations not only highlight the evolving landscape of cinema but also underscore the growing influence of streaming platforms in the industry.
“Emilia Pérez”: A Groundbreaking Contender
Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” has made Oscar history by becoming the most nominated non-English language film ever. This audacious musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the story of a transgender Mexican cartel leader. Its 13 nominations include Best Picture, Best Director for Audiard, and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, marking the first time an openly transgender actor has been nominated in this category.
The film’s success represents a significant milestone for Netflix, which has been vying for Oscar recognition in the Best Picture category for nearly a decade. With previous contenders like “Roma” and “The Irishman” falling short of the top prize, “Emilia Pérez” could finally be the streaming giant’s ticket to Oscar glory.
“This recognition is a celebration of the global world we live in,” Audiard said in a statement. The film’s nominations span various categories, including Original Screenplay, Cinematography, and Music, showcasing its technical and artistic achievements.
“The Brutalist”: A Formidable Challenger
While “Emilia Pérez” leads the nominations, Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” stands as a formidable challenger with 10 nominations. This post-war epic has garnered critical acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and powerful performances. Nominations for “The Brutalist” include Best Picture, Best Director for Corbet, and acting nods for Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones.
The film’s exploration of themes such as immigration, antisemitism, and the American Dream resonates strongly in today’s socio-political climate. Its success at the nominations stage indicates that the Academy is ready to embrace challenging and thought-provoking cinema.
A Diverse Field of Contenders
The 2025 Oscar nominations reflect the increasingly diverse and fragmented nature of the film industry. Among the Best Picture nominees are:
- “Anora”: A modern Cinderella tale about a sex worker and a Russian oligarch’s son
- “A Complete Unknown”: A Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet
- “Conclave”: A thriller set in the Vatican
- “Dune: Part Two”: The conclusion to Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic
- “I’m Still Here”: A Brazilian drama about life under military dictatorship
- “Nickel Boys”: A powerful story set in a segregated reform school in 1960s Florida
- “The Substance”: A feminist body horror film
- “Wicked”: The long-awaited adaptation of the Broadway hit
This diverse lineup showcases the Academy’s efforts to recognize a wide range of stories, voices, and filmmaking styles. It also highlights the global nature of contemporary cinema, with nominations spanning multiple countries and languages.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
The 2025 nominations are notable for several groundbreaking achievements:
- Karla Sofía Gascón’s Best Actress nomination for “Emilia Pérez” marks a significant milestone for transgender representation in Hollywood.
- “Emilia Pérez” has surpassed the previous record for non-English language film nominations, held by “Roma” with 10 nods.
- The Best Director category includes Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance,” continuing the trend of increased recognition for female directors.
- “I’m Still Here” marks only the second time a Brazilian actress (Fernanda Torres) has been nominated for Best Actress.
Industry Implications and the Streaming Revolution
The strong showing of “Emilia Pérez” underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms in the film industry. Netflix’s continued presence in the Oscar race, along with nominations for other streaming services, signals a shift in how the Academy views and values content distributed through non-traditional channels.
This trend has been accelerated by recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Los Angeles wildfires, which have disrupted traditional theatrical releases and forced the industry to adapt to new distribution models.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
As the film community looks forward to the 97th Academy Awards ceremony on March 2, 2025, speculation is rife about potential winners. While “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist” are considered frontrunners, the competitive nature of this year’s nominations means that surprises could be in store.
The ceremony itself, to be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, is expected to address recent events, including the devastating wildfires that affected Los Angeles and delayed the nomination announcements. The Academy has stated that the ceremony will “reflect on recent events while emphasizing the resilience, creativity, and optimism that characterize Los Angeles and our industry.”
Conclusion: A Reflection of Cinema’s Evolution
The 2025 Oscar nominations paint a picture of an industry in transition, embracing diversity, technological change, and global storytelling. From the record-breaking success of “Emilia Pérez” to the strong showing of challenging films like “The Brutalist,” this year’s nominees demonstrate the Academy’s willingness to recognize bold, innovative filmmaking from around the world.
As we approach Oscar night, one thing is clear: the 2025 Academy Awards will be a celebration of cinema’s power to push boundaries, challenge perspectives, and unite audiences across cultures and languages. Whether “Emilia Pérez” makes history for Netflix or another contender emerges victorious, the 97th Oscars promise to be a night to remember in the ever-evolving story of the film.
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